Hey Deer, The Smorgasbord is Closed

“The Department of Natural Resources (MN) has had the best luck with the blood-based Plantskydd.”

Lake County News Chronicle, Two Harbors, MN – May 01, 2008

Hey deer-the smorgasbord is closed.
By: Monica Isley

There is more than one way to feed the deer. Some people put out actual deer feed, much to the chagrin of their plant-loving neighbors. Others plant flowers that deer love to eat. Intended or accidental, it’s all the same smorgasbord to the deer.

So, if you want a yard lush with plants minus nibbled notches in the landscape, there are a couple steps you need to take. One is to spray a repellent on the plants. Jim Shogren, an owner at Anderson’s Greenhouse in Two Harbors, said there are two types: egg-based and blood-based. Both smell really bad when they’re wet, so he advised not applying them just before leaving for work or hosting a party.

Once they’re dry, however, the smell disappears. Eventually, after several rains, another application will be needed. Shogren said the Department of Natural Resources has had the best luck with the blood-based Plantskydd.